National surfwear brand Okanui opens first NT store at Darwin Waterfront

A national surfwear brand has opened a new store in Darwin, with the company’s CEO saying the Northern Territory represented a huge opportunity to grow the business’ footprint.

Sydney-founded surfwear brand Okanui has opened its first Northern Territory store, and ninth overall, at Darwin Waterfront. Picture: Supplied

A national surfwear brand has opened a new store in Darwin, with the company’s chief executive officer saying the Northern Territory represented a huge opportunity to grow the business’ footprint.

Okanui, founded by Dick Ash in 1978 after the avid surfer found earlier success in the 1950s crafting board shorts from old canvas mailbags, launched its new store, located at the Darwin Waterfront, on Tuesday.

“The beloved lifestyle brand from Sydney’s Northern Beaches has been bringing joy to Aussie families since 1978 with its wide range of coastal apparel for men, women, and children,” the company said in a statement.

Sydney-founded surfwear brand Okanui has opened its first Northern Territory store, and ninth overall, at Darwin Waterfront. Picture: Supplied

“Okanui will bring the iconic ‘Escape the Everyday’ style to Darwin with this exclusive new store and their first venture into the Northern Territory.

“Okanui is excited to embrace the thriving tourism hub that Darwin has become.

“Darwin is bustling with energy and opportunity for a lifestyle apparel brand like Okanui.

“The warm climate and growth in tourism offers the perfect setting to invest in a physical retail presence, recognising Darwin’s unique role in connecting cultures and experiences.

“The new shop will not only showcase the iconic heritage resort wear but also contribute to the local economy.”

Okanui’s CEO, Simon Kasprowicz, said Darwin was entering an “exciting time” in its development, and the company was glad to be along for the ride.

Sydney-founded surfwear brand Okanui has opened its first Northern Territory store, and ninth overall, at Darwin Waterfront. Picture: Supplied

“Darwin is buzzing with energy, and we see the NT as a huge opportunity for Okanui to expand its retail presence,” he said.

“This dynamic city has established itself as a key gateway, contributing to a record-breaking $2.3bn in visitor spending across the NT last year.

“Our team has worked hard to create a space that reflects the brand’s positioning of ‘Escaping the Everyday’.”

Sydney-founded surfwear brand Okanui has opened its first Northern Territory store, and ninth overall, at Darwin Waterfront. Picture: Supplied

The new Darwin outlet will join Okanui stores at other iconic beachside locations such as Noosa Heads, Port Douglas, Manly Beach, Byron Bay and the Gold Coast.

The company said it had experienced “exponential growth” in its sales, up 150 per cent year-on-year, which led to the decision to expand its retail footprint.

Okanui remains in the hands of the Ash family, with Mr Ash’s niece, Wendy Kasprowicz, and her husband Simon now managing the business.